COMMUNITY
FOCUSED
NON-PROFIT
501(c)3
FIGHTING FOOD
INSECURITIES
CARES
Mission Statement
“The Mission of CARES is to offer a comprehensive support service for individuals and their families in and around the Farmington Hills area and the eight communities that we serve that are in need or have limited access to everyday necessities due to insufficient financial resources or family instability.”
One of the biggest challenges our society faces is the growing problem of food insecurity. Approximately 1.9 million Michiganders are struggling to buy the healthy food, they need. *1 in 7 Michigan children are food insecure.
Many of those struggling live in our service area. Our mission is to offer comprehensive support services for individuals and families who are in need or who have limited access to everyday necessities due to insufficient financial resources or family instability. The 700 to 750 families rely on CARES monthly for food assistance. We can be proud of the service we are providing and how far we’ve come since taking over the operation in 2017.
In 2017, when we purchased the St. Alexander’s property, Todd Lipa stood on the bridge, remembering what St. Al’s meant to the people of this community. Todd knew that he wanted to continue the example set by Father Jim Wright and to shepherd our new CARES facilities into becoming a place of hope; in fact, to build a Campus of Hope that this community could be proud of.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
We are deeply dedicated to embracing diversity and equality. Our commitment lies in fostering a team rich in diverse backgrounds, skills, and perspectives. Inclusivity is key to enhancing the quality of our work. Building an equal culture isn’t merely morally sound—it’s also strategically wise. Our service areas encompass Farmington Hills, Farmington, Livonia, Redford Twp., Southfield, Northville, Novi, and West Bloomfield.
Our belief in diversity isn’t just a principle; it’s the cornerstone of our innovation. By embracing differences, we cultivate an environment where every voice is valued and every idea thrives.
We have deep appreciation to our volunteers who make CARES a place of dignity and respect for all who need our services and with gratitude to all of our supporters and donors, come grow and care with us.
We began with all the enthusiasm and excitement a new project offers, making progress and facing obstacles along the way. But with every obstacle comes opportunity and most incredibly, partners with exactly the right skills and resources to help us meet and overcome those challenges. So many partners who believe in our mission have stepped forward with time, resources and expertise.
Our CARES Market, which opened in 2020, just celebrated its 2-year anniversary. 100% of Market profits are dedicated to supporting the Food Pantry. We are especially proud that our Market, the first of its kind in Michigan, has also become a model for other communities.
In 2020, our corporate partners helped us remodel the inside for an even better CARES Food Pantry. Guests were invited back into the new Pantry in April of 2022 and the response has been completely positive. Guests tell us how much they appreciate coming to this beautiful facility.
We are working on other spaces too: Colette’s Place, the former convent named after our beloved Sister Colette, will house multiple service agencies. The former rectory, now called Wright House, in honor of Father Jim Wright, contains office and meeting space. So much more is planned, and with the help of donors and volunteers we will continue our work to make the CARES Campus of Hope a reality.
Actively Supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
“The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDG), adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future.”
#1 – No Poverty – End Poverty in all its forms.
#2 – Zero Hunger – End Hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.
#3 – Good Health and Well Being – Ensure healthy lives and promote well being for all at all ages.
Learn more about the United Nations -17 Sustainable Development Goals, please visit their website
Get involved
Make a difference
There are three easy ways to be involved in our organization: donating money, volunteering time, or offering professional services. A monetary donation can go a long way in supporting our organization’s goals, while volunteering time can make a direct impact on the lives of others. Additionally, offering your professional services can be a valuable contribution to help our organization achieve its mission.
Consider which option best suits your interests and availability, and get involved in making a positive difference in our community.
Volunteer at CARES
Do you have some time that you would like to spend helping others in your community
Provide Services
Do you own or work for a business that wants to donate some professional services